ESSE 990
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 32.78 ft |
| LWL | 30.84 ft |
| Beam | 8.37 ft |
| Draft | 6.89 ft/ 5.58 ft min |
| Displacement | 4,850 lb |
| Ballast | 2,314.9 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.4 kn |
About the ESSE 990
The Esse 990 is a 32.78 ft fractional sloop designed by Umberto Felci and built by Schuchter Sportboot (CH) in 2007. With a displacement of 4850.0 lb and a comfort ratio of 14.07, this vessel represents a lightweight, performance-oriented cruising platform from the Swiss builder.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and performance-oriented sailors who prioritize speed and agility over heavy offshore comfort, given its low displacement and high sail area-to-displacement ratio of 40.32.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.98 and a relatively low displacement of 4850.0 lb, the Esse 990 is better suited for coastal and protected waters rather than heavy offshore bluewater passages.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include other lightweight fractional sloop designs from the mid-2000s, such as the Beneteau First 32 or J/105, which share similar emphasis on racing performance and fractional rigging.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(6 certificates)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 6.2 | 6.8 | 7.1 | 7.2 | 7.3 | 7.3 | 7.3 |
| 60° | 6.5 | 7.1 | 7.3 | 7.5 | 7.6 | 7.6 | 7.6 |
| 75° | 6.7 | 7.4 | 7.7 | 7.9 | 8.1 | 8.2 | 8.3 |
| 90° | 6.6 | 7.4 | 7.9 | 8.3 | 8.6 | 8.8 | 9.0 |
| 110° | 6.6 | 7.5 | 7.9 | 8.3 | 8.8 | 9.4 | 10.2 |
| 120° | 6.4 | 7.5 | 8.2 | 8.7 | 9.2 | 9.7 | 10.6 |
| 135° | 5.8 | 7.1 | 7.9 | 8.8 | 9.8 | 10.7 | 12.4 |
| 150° | 4.9 | 6.1 | 7.1 | 7.9 | 8.7 | 9.8 | 12.7 |
| Beat VMG | 4.1 | 4.7 | 4.9 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Run VMG | 4.2 | 5.3 | 6.2 | 6.8 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 11.0 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the ESSE 990 yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 32.78ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
6 reported issues across 4 systems for the ESSE 990, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a ESSE 990? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 6 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your ESSE 990?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar — is it one of these?
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the ESSE 990
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…